Jays starter Gausman injured in doubleheader defeat

TORONTO — With tired arms such a concern for the Blue Jays, the last thing they needed were pitchers being rocked with injuries in lower extremities.

The Jays pitching corps dodged three close calls Saturday in a doubleheader loss against Tampa Bay, the most serious to starter Kevin Gausman in the opener.

In what was shaping up as a tight duel with Rays’ ninegame winner Shane Mcclanahan, Gausman was knocked out at the end of the second inning by a Wander Franco drive off of his right ankle.

That forced Casey Lawrence to limber up quickly, just off the bus from Buffalo where he was summoned for the doubleheader, only to be struck around the midsection himself three innings later. The 34-year-old was able to continue, though a three-run burst that was brewing around his mishap helped Tampa’s eventual 6-2 win.